Inkplate 13SPECTRA brings E-Ink Spectra™ color technology to a massive 13" canvas, delivering 1600 x 1200 resolution across six vivid colors. Whether you are building a smart home dashboard, a digital art frame, or a personal calendar, this development board offers the perfect blend of color, high resolution, and ease of use. Powered by the ESP32-S3 with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Inkplate 13SPECTRA is fully programmable via Arduino IDE or MicroPython, making it easy to create battery-powered IoT e-paper applications that run for months on a single charge.

Ultra-Low Power for Months of Battery Life

We have pushed the limits of efficiency with the Inkplate 13 SPECTRA. In deep sleep mode, the board draws only about 14 microamps, enabling battery-powered projects that can still run for long periods on a single charge. For example, with a 3000 mAh battery and one full-screen display update every hour, the Inkplate 13 SPECTRA can operate for roughly 1.5–2 months (around 40–50 days).

This calculation assumes 24 cycles per day, with the board spending almost the entire hour between updates in deep sleep at 14 microamps, briefly waking for about eight seconds to connect to Wi‑Fi and fetch data (drawing around 200 mA), and then refreshing the display for about 20 seconds.

Open-Source Software Ecosystem

Inkplate 13SPECTRA software platforms

We believe powerful hardware should be easy to use. Inkplate 13SPECTRA is supported by a robust software ecosystem from day one:

• Familiar Inkplate Library: Start drawing shapes, text, and images in minutes using the Arduino IDE, with exciting ready-made examples including: Google Calendar, OpenMeteo Weather Station, Spotify "Currently Playing" display, and photo frame from microSD
• MicroPython Support: For those who prefer a higher-level scripting language, our MicroPython library is here for you
• Deep Documentation: We provide full schematics, KiCad board files, high-level documentation, tutorials, and a wealth of complete examples
• ESPHome Integration: We pledge to have ESPHome ready for Inkplate 13SPECTRA in time for delivery so you can use it for the smart home dashboard of your dreams!

ESP32-S3 Powerhouse

The Inkplate 13SPECTRA runs on the ESP32-S3-WROOM-2-N32R16V microcontroller, featuring a dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor running at up to 240 MHz. With 32 MB of flash memory and 16 MB of PSRAM, it handles seamless multitasking and frame buffer management. Native Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz) and Bluetooth 5 (LE) connectivity enable you to effortlessly pull data from the web, connect to sensors, or update your display remotely. Support for multiple communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART) and low-power modes makes creating sophisticated IoT projects remarkably straightforward.

Features & Specificationss

• Display: 13-inch E-Ink SPECTRA color e-paper with 1600 x 1200 resolution (six colors: black, white, yellow, red, blue, green)
• Microcontroller: ESP32-S3-WROOM-2-N32R16V with dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor (up to 240 MHz)
• Memory: 32 MB flash, 16 MB PSRAM
• Ultra-Low Power: 14 µA deep-sleep current
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz), Bluetooth 5 (LE), USB-C for data and battery charging, three Qwiic ports
• Storage: Onboard microSD card slot and RTC memory to retain data during deep sleep
• Timekeeping: Onboard real-time clock (RTC) PCF85063A with CR2032 battery backup for precise wake-up cycles
• Controls: Dedicated power and wake buttons
• Battery Management: JST connector for 3.7V Li-ion batteries with battery charging circuit onboard
• Open Source: Fully open-source hardware and software

Variants

We offer Inkplate 13 SPECTRA in two versions:

Base Edition

Includes a fully tested Inkplate 13 SPECTRA, but no enclosure or battery

Enclosure and Battery Version

Includes 3000 mAh Li-ion battery and custom 3D-printed protective case, ready to use out of the box

Comparison of E-Ink Spectra 6 Devices

Manufacturing Plan

All Soldered Electronics products are designed and manufactured in-house in Osijek, Croatia. Inkplate 13SPECTRA follows our established production processes, which have successfully delivered thousands of Inkplate models to backers worldwide. We source the panels and handle assembly, testing, and quality control at our facility. After all, e-Paper is our specialty.

Fulfillment & Logistics

We will ship the Inkplate 13SPECTRA through Crowd Supply’s fulfillment network, ensuring efficient delivery to backers worldwide. Our previous Inkplate campaigns have established reliable shipping processes, and we will apply the same logistics framework and our experience to this project. All units will be thoroughly tested before shipping to ensure they meet our quality standards.

Support & Documentation

Inkplate 13SPECTRA schematic

We provide comprehensive support and documentation for the Inkplate 13SPECTRA on docs.soldered.com:

• Easily readable full product documentation
• Full schematics and KiCad board files
• Arduino IDE library with extensive examples
• MicroPython library and documentation
• Getting-started guides and tutorials

We’re also always here for you; feel free to contact us.

Risks & Challenges

As the e-paper experts with multiple successful Inkplate campaigns, we have established relationships with component suppliers and manufacturing processes. However, several risks remain:

• E-Paper Panel Supply: Global supply chain disruptions could affect panel availability. We have secured initial inventory and maintain relationships with backup suppliers to mitigate this risk.
• Component Shortages: The ESP32-S3 and other electronic components may face availability issues. We have pre-ordered components based on campaign projections and will adjust production schedules if needed.
• Shipping Delays: International logistics can be unpredictable. We work with Crowd Supply's experienced fulfillment network and build buffer time into our delivery estimates.

We are committed to transparent communication and will provide regular updates throughout the campaign and production process.

About Inkplate

ICYMI, Inkplate is a series of powerful, energy-efficient, Wi-Fi-enabled development boards featuring different models and sizes of e-paper displays. We created Inkplate because we loved e-paper and wanted to bring it to the masses. All Inkplate boards are low-power oriented, enabling battery projects that last for months. By choosing Inkplate, you are joining a growing community of makers and engineers who value transparency, hackability, and long-term support.